Normally in this class, I have students write a paper entitled, "Educational Platform." In this paper I have students explore several questions that help form the basis for essentially "What I believe about education." While on the surface it may not seem terribly sophisticated, if given a proper "dose" of reflection, the work is often quite compelling.
As I have become more enlightened with technology, I have found that moving away from the all-mighty term paper and using a blog tool is beneficial to all. The added benefit comes when everyone in the class reads the thoughts of each other -- that doesn't happen with the term paper approach.
So, here's how it works: Each week a question will be released (usually on Sunday). During that week you must respond to the question with your well-thought-out, reflective answer AND you must briefly respond to your classmates response (thus creating a threaded blog). Much to my amazement, it creates a beautiful discussion among folks (don't prove me WRONG!!).
This work is NOT research based -- it is simply your personal thoughts. However, if you want to go do research to help probe your thinking -- have at it! Here are the questions that will comprise your Educational Platform:
In the context of American society today . . . 1. What is education and what is the role of the school? -- Post due June 20 2. What is the role of the teacher? -- Post due June 27 3. What is the role of the student? -- Post due July 5 4. What is the role of the principal? -- Post due July 11 5. What is the role of the parent? -- Post due July 18 6. How does all of this relate to your ideal school vision? -- Post due July 25
Remember, you will find the questions in the Discussion portion of the Wiki!
Educational Platform
Normally in this class, I have students write a paper entitled, "Educational Platform." In this paper I have students explore several questions that help form the basis for essentially "What I believe about education." While on the surface it may not seem terribly sophisticated, if given a proper "dose" of reflection, the work is often quite compelling.
As I have become more enlightened with technology, I have found that moving away from the all-mighty term paper and using a blog tool is beneficial to all. The added benefit comes when everyone in the class reads the thoughts of each other -- that doesn't happen with the term paper approach.
So, here's how it works: Each week a question will be released (usually on Sunday). During that week you must respond to the question with your well-thought-out, reflective answer AND you must briefly respond to your classmates response (thus creating a threaded blog). Much to my amazement, it creates a beautiful discussion among folks (don't prove me WRONG!!).
This work is NOT research based -- it is simply your personal thoughts. However, if you want to go do research to help probe your thinking -- have at it! Here are the questions that will comprise your Educational Platform:
In the context of American society today . . .
1. What is education and what is the role of the school? -- Post due June 20
2. What is the role of the teacher? -- Post due June 27
3. What is the role of the student? -- Post due July 5
4. What is the role of the principal? -- Post due July 11
5. What is the role of the parent? -- Post due July 18
6. How does all of this relate to your ideal school vision? -- Post due July 25
Remember, you will find the questions in the Discussion portion of the Wiki!
Let me know if you need help!